October 2023 News Roundup
In preparation for October’s Banned Book Week, libraries and distributors from coast to coast expanded access to books on the banned book list. In other news, the spotlight focused on black narrator superstars, The New York Times and The New Yorker dedicated space and time to discuss the love of listening to audiobooks and Spotify was also in the spotlight with expanded offerings in the UK and Australia. RBMedia, AirCanada and Darklit Press (just in time for Halloween) announced expanded offerings. Speaking of spotlights and superstars, Patrick Stewart and Michelle Obama announced new audiobook offerings.
Libraries from coast to coast expand access to banned books
There has been a 20 percent increase in the number of unique titles subjected to book-banning efforts across the country from January to the end of August this year, compared to the same period in 2022. Here are some ways for young readers to gain access. [Source: Guide to libraries: bookriot.com] [Source: Boston: goodereader.com] [Source: California: bookriot.com] [Source: Banned Book Week: usatoday.com]
Popular Black narrators dominating the audiobook industry
From Jakobi Diem to January LaVoy, these Black voice actors and narrators are ones to watch. [Source: thegrio.com]
Confessions of an Audiobook Addict
It’s both strange and enlightening to move through the world with an author’s voice filling your ears. [Source: newyorker.com]
FEED YOUR EARPODS
Michelle Obama Narrates Audiobook Version of a Beloved Children's Classic
Parents are about to get a bedtime story assist from our Forever First Lady. [Source: theroot.com]
The business of audiobooks
Abrams, RBmedia Ink Audio Deal
Abrams has signed an exclusive multi-year agreement with RBmedia, giving the independent audio publisher rights to Abrams' fiction and nonfiction titles from both its children's and adult lists. [Source: publishersweekly.com]
Air Canada expands in-flight entertainment with Audible audiobooks & podcasts
Air Canada has become the first airline to offer Canadian Audible Original Audiobooks and Podcasts and more in its in-flight entertainment (IFE) system. [Source: news.paxeditions.com ]
Spotify’s Audiobooks Offering Is Cautiously Embraced by Publishing Industry
Premium subscribers in the UK and Australia will now receive 15 hours of audiobook listening per month as part of their broader plan. [Source: bloomberg.com]
DarkLit Press Spawns New Programs… in time for halloween!
DarkLit announces a partnership, known as the Unholy Alliance, with audiobook company Fright Night Audio among other ventures. [Source: publishersweekly.com]
Interviews & podcasts
Podcast: An Audibook Bonanza
NYT Book Review editors discuss their love of listening to books out loud. [Source: nytimes.com]
The Most Novelistic Part That Patrick Stewart Ever Played
Patrick Stewart, glad not to have to memorize any lines to narrate his memoir. [Source: nytimes.com]